“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor”. And no one better understands the import of this statement than Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Dankadai, the Sarkin Shanu of Kano.
Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Dankadai is a traditional title holder of refute and has maintained peace and stability not only in his domain but in other places which further enhanced social, political and economic progress in the community, thus, improving the lives of his people.
Born 1949 to the family of one of Kano’s most respected and pious traditional leaders, (Dankadai Muhammadu Inuwa, rijf).
The young Shehu attended Wudil Elementary Primary School before proceeding to the famous Barewa College Zaria and the equally prestigious Kings College Lagos.
He attended Worthing Sussex College, London for his professional Accounting qualification, and was also at Slough College of Technology, Berkshire both in UK where he formally became a qualified Chartered Accountant in 1975.
The respected Accountant with decades of varied experience in Banking and Finance participated in several Executive Management courses at home and abroad including those hosted by the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in 1978; the University of Virginia, USA, 1985; and the London Business School in 1989.
Before taking up the mantle of traditional title leadership, the Sarkin Shanu served meritoriously in the financial sector, first as Accountant/Investment Executive at the NNDC Kaduna between 1975-76 . He brought or transferred his services home when he assumed duties as the Chief Accountant of the Kano State Hotels Management Board between the 1977-80.
Alhaji Shehu was the Acting General Manager at the board when he transferred his services again to the First Bank of Nigeria in 1980.
A highly disciplined and astute manager, his progression at the First Bank was rapid and highly merited as he started as a Principal Manager and soon became an AGM ( 1980-86); DGM 1986-88; and Executive Director, 1988-90.
As the banking reforms debuted, and in recognition of his diligence, commitment and dedication to the industry, the Sarkin Shanu was appointed the Managing Director of Allied Bank in 1990, the position he successfully held for good eight years.
A committed monarch who enjoys the respect of his people, Sarkin Shanu believes in selfless service for the common good of all people in his domain.
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants UK, the Sarkin Shanu served on the boards of many companies and institutions.
He had worked briefly with Standard Chartered Merchant Bank, London in 1982 and its Harare, Zimbabwe counterpart in 1985.
His deep commitment to ethical, cultural and traditional values is rooted in his background, coming from one of KANO’S Hijrah Houses, the Yolawa.
It was this commitment and his loyalty to the traditional institution that prompted late Amir Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero to give him the title of Falakin Kano and District Head of Tofa in 2000.
He was made Magajin Rafi in 2007 and promoted to Sarkin Shanu( very senior member of the Emirate Council) in May 2017.
Amiable, skilled and accommodating, the Royal Father is keen on providing a good future for the upcoming generations.
This explains his membership of leading NGOs like the ACF, Kano Leads and the Kano Concerned Citizens Initiative (KCCI) which he now Chairs.
He runs a foundation primarily concerned with empowerment. and is happily married with children.
Compiled by BELLO SANI GALADANCHI, PUBLICITY SEC, ACF Kano with additional input from SANI YUSIF.
